scientific name for anAustralasian genus of plants, N.O. Leguminosae,containing only two species – – in Australia, Sturt's DesertPea (q.v.), C. dampieri; and in New Zealand, the Kaka-bill (q.v.), C. puniceus. Both species arealso called Glory-Pea, from Grk. kleos, glory,and anthos, a flower.
1892. `Otago Witness,' Nov.24, `Native Trees':
«Hooker says the genus Clianthus consists of theAustralian and New Zealand species only, the latter istherefore clearly indigenous. `One of the most beautifulplants known' (Hooker). Sir Joseph Banks and Dr. Solandelfound it during Cook's first voyage.»